What is Degenerative disk disease?

Degenerative disk disease or DDD is less of a disease and more descriptive of the normal change to ones spine during the aging process. As you age your intervertebral disks loose height and are less effective in absorbing shock throughout your everyday activities. These changes are most common in your neck and back and may increase the risk of developing other disorders such as herniated disks or spinal stenosis. As this problem arises you may start to develop back or neck pain, lack of range of motion, and/or numbness into upper or lower extremities. At this time it good to seek medical advice to help to restore range of motion and improve quality of life. Your doctor may recommend an anti-inflammatory to reduce the pain and inflammation after an extensive evaluation and may recommend Physical Therapy. Through conservative management of PT and development of a home exercise program of simple stretching and strengthening exercises most people can find relief of lower back or neck pain.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation for personal training, feel free to contact us at 518-690-4406 or visit our website at www.empirehwc.com or email us at ehwc7@nycap.rr.com.

William Milhizer, PT, DPT

http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/degenerative-disc-disease-topic-overview?page=2